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THE Hockey Association of Zimbabwe has certified Bulawayo’s Khumalo Hockey Stadium ready to play host to next month’s Africa Cup of Club Champions.
At least 19 teams are expected to compete in the continental club championship set for November 22-30.
It will be the second time in two years for Bulawayo to host the games with the last edition held in December 2012 won by Egyptian giants Sharkia (men) while Telkom Orange of Kenya were women’s champions.
HAZ vice-president Humphrey Chigwedere said 19 teams from the continent’s hockey playing nations who include – Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Zimbabwe have indicated that they will be participating in both the men and women’s categories.
“We’re expecting teams from South Africa and Kenya to come for the tournament as well. Zimbabwe will be represented by Eradicators (Harare Province) and Hippo Valley Hockey Club in the men’s category while in the women’s section Scorpions (Harare Province) and Bulawayo Athletic Club will fly our flag high. About 19 teams have indicated that they’re coming but we’re still waiting for the final list of the team entries with tentative fixtures to come from the Africa Hockey Federation anytime this week,” said Chigwedere.
“After the last Africa Cup of Club Champions held in Bulawayo, we’re confident that they’ll do a splendid job again and make the games one to remember.”
The 2012 edition had 12 teams competing with the men’s category having champions Sharkia Club of Egypt, Ghana duo of Golden Sticks and Trustees Hockey Club, Yobe Warriors of Nigeria and Zimbabwe’s representatives Hippo Hockey Club and Hullets.
Nigeria’s Custom Ladies, Telkom Orange and Strathmore University of Kenya, Heartland Queens also from Nigeria and the Bulawayo Athletic Club battled it out in the women’s category.
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